Minnesota is the last team standing in the way of the Wisconsin women’s hockey team cementing their place in history.

With the Border Battle returning this weekend, the stakes are high for the Badgers (30-1-1 overall, 24-1-1 WCHA), who are looking to sweep the Gophers (27-3-1, 22-3-1 WCHA) for the first time in school history.

Despite 17 years of existence, four national championships, five WCHA conference tournaments and now a fifth WCHA regular season conference title, the Badgers have never been able to complete the feat.

“These two games [against Minnesota] are probably the most important of the entire year,” senior defenseman Courtney Burke said.

The challenges of achieving their 13th consecutive victory and earning a place in the record books will take place in Minneapolis.

Key matchup

Wisconsin’s No. 1 overall defense (0.56 goals conceded per game) vs. Minnesota’s No. 2 overall offense (5.00 goals per game).

Given the tremendous level of talent on both sides of the puck in this weekend’s battle, the key matchup comes from the strengths of the team rather than the individual players.

Wisconsin’s most lethal weapon this year has been its concrete foundation of tough, gritty defensive play, which junior goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens anchors.

Desbiens has been lights-out for the Badgers this season with a 96.6 save percentage, saving 511 of the 519 total shots she faced, on top of tallying 14 shutouts in only 30 games.

On the other hand, pure offensive firepower has been the key to Minnesota’s success this season. The team’s three leading goal scorers, junior forward Dani Cameranesi (28), senior forward Hannah Brandt (24) and sophomore forward Kelly Pannek (20) are the second highest scoring trio for any women’s program in Division I.

Key to victory — controlling the power plays

Minnesota can bring a team to its knees on the power play, scoring on 52 percent of power play opportunities this season. With the emotions and intensity of a bitter rivalry flaring, it will be crucial for the Badger defense to keep a cool head fighting Minnesota’s offensive onslaught.

“I anticipate to see a real high octane, up-and-down close-knit battle in both the games this weekend,” head coach Mark Johnson said.